Obama called the hacks "malicious cyber-related
activities" that were aimed at undermining the "democratic
processes." He ordered the removal of 35 Russian
diplomats from the United States in addition to announcing
the closure of two Russian compounds in New York and Maryland in
response to "Russian
harassment of American diplomats" in
Moscow.

Ahead of the announcement, the Russian ruble was slightly
weaker for the day near 60.6000 per dollar when news of the
sanctions broke around 2 p.m. ET. Since the announcement, the
ruble has actually strengthened a touch to 60.4846 per dollar
where it hovers little changed for the session.